Leo Nin
During English class on Monday, the class discussion focused on Ward Churchill and his advocacy for Native American rights. By reading just a few of his publications, one can observe that Churchill is not afraid to “step on anyone’s toes” when serving as an activist for his people. Although some may not agree with his controversial methods, one cannot argue his persistence for equal rights for Native Americans.
Discussing what Churchill advocates reminds me of the assigned reading for Baruch freshmen in the summer of 2009. Before the academic year began, freshmen entering Baruch College were required to read Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie. Although Reservation Blues and Churchill’s publications both bring the struggles of Native Americans to light, the approaches in which they take differ. After reading a few of Churchill’s publications and watching one of his videos, I feel as if most of his effort is directed towards attacking United States citizens and, more generally, all inhabitants of North and South America who are not Native American. Alexie, however, seems to be more genuine in his love for his people and his concern for all Native American tribes’ dying culture. In Reservation Blues, Alexie describes the realities that most Native Americans face when living on reservations such as alcoholism, poverty, and suicide.
Although I feel that Sherman Alexie’s accounts of Native Americans are more relatable and are more successful in evoking empathy from his readers, there is no question that both men feel a passionate connection to the Native American population. Their methods may seem dissimilar, but both men tirelessly attempt to revive dying customs.
I feel these two pictures adequately depict the difference in demeanor and behavior of the two men. Ward Churchill is on the left, Sherman Alexie is on the right.
